Central Wisconsin Fishing Report – October 19th, 2012

DOOR PENINSULA AND KEWAUNEE AREA

Salmon fishing has been slow to fair. Expect fishing to pick up for 2- and 3-year-old salmon through October. Shore anglers and trollers are seeing good action in the Sturgeon Bay ship canal for 4-year-old salmon that are coming in to spawn, along with a few brown trout. Shore fishermen are reporting good action from northern Door County ports like Bailey’s Harbor, Sister Bay, Egg Harbor, and Fish Creek. Pike fishing is going strong from Henderson’s Point and north to Sturgeon Bay on large spoons, plugs, and suckers. Perch action has been fantastic from Chaudoir’s Dock to Little Sturgeon. Walleye action has been fair, with the best action coming in the late afternoons and at night.
Deprey’s Kwik Stop, (920) 866-2934.
Stevenson Pier, (920) 824-5222.
Howie’s Tackle, (920) 746-9916.

GREEN BAY/APPLETON AREA

Fishing pressure has been low on the Fox River. There were a few anglers trolling for muskies, with little success. Off shore, anglers were catching sheepshead, carp, and catfish on crawlers. At Bayshore Park, fishing was slow. There were a few anglers who were targeting perch. At Suamico, muskie fishing was slow. Shore anglers have been catching some perch and bluegills.
Smokey’s, (920) 436-0600.

LA CROSSE AREA

Walleye fishing has been fair. Anglers are jigging willow cats and trolling crankbaits. Low water and a lack of current have the fish scattered, so methods that cover water will yield better catches. The bite for bluegills, perch, and crappies has been outstanding in their wintering areas – dredge holes, turning basins, and deep docks. Use small jigs and live bait.
Schafer’s Boats, (608) 781-3100.
Bob’s Bait & Tackle, (608) 782-5552.

LAKE WINNEBAGO AREA

At Winneconne, white bass are active and some anglers are reporting 100-fish days. Panfish action continues to be excellent, with anglers catching crappies, perch, and bluegills on minnows, crawlers, and worms. Target channels, inlets, and deep docks. Walleye fishing has been slow, but improving as water temps drop and they move into the river. Hunters are registering a lot of turkeys this fall, and archery deer hunters started strong. Geese are abundant, and ducks have yet to flock up. Recent rains have begun to recharge marshes that should add some huntable acreage for waterfowlers.
Critter’s Sports, (920) 582-0471.
Fox River Bait, (920) 233-7409.
Dutch’s, (920) 922-0311.

MANITOWOC/TWO RIVERS AREA

Despite low water levels, the fall salmon/trout spawning run is starting to pick up. Fish were being caught on all major tributaries. Popular spots include the lower stretches of the Manitowoc River, where fish are holding around Henry Schutte Park and Manitou Park. Some anglers were having success for kings around the county park and the walking bridge just upstream from Rapids Road. At the West Twin River near the dam in Shoto, king salmon are in moderate to high numbers. Good numbers of browns were in the Ahnapee River at Olson Park.
Cub Radio Sport Fishing Hotline, (800) 236-9978, ext 124.